In the post house, Yang Anxuan was sitting in the room drinking tea, and Zhang Feng was sitting in front of the door, holding the Liquan sword in his arms, unsheathing the sword from time to time and laughing.
Ever since Yang Anxuan handed the Liquan Sword to Zhang Feng, Zhang Feng never left the sword. He held it in his left hand when eating, and even carried it on his back when going to the toilet.
His thoughts were interrupted by Zhang Feng's laughter, and Yang Anxuan was angry and funny. Li Quan Sword is a good sword, but it doesn't mean much to him.
To dominate the world, you don't rely on a unique magic weapon, but on your subordinates all holding sharp blades.
After coming to Tangxi and seeing the conditions of iron smelting and military refining in several iron shops, Yang Anxuan knew well that the main steel-making methods currently used in the iron smelting industry are "block smelting method" and "fried steel method".
The "block smelting method" uses charcoal as fuel to melt ore to produce sponge-like iron blocks, which are then repeatedly forged into usable wrought iron. Wrought iron is repeatedly folded and forged to become steel, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The "fried steel method" is to heat pig iron into a semi-liquid and liquid state, then add iron ore powder, while constantly stirring, removing slag, and directly obtaining steel.
The steel frying method is complex and difficult to master. Yang Anxuan estimated that the Zhou family, Ying family and other aristocratic families have mastered the steel frying method. However, judging from the instruments made, it is obvious that the Zhou family's technology is higher than that of the Ying family.
Yang Anxuan smiled. The book that helped him the most was "Tiangong Kaiwu". Song Yingxing, Taoist Song, was transported to more than a thousand years ago by him.
"Tiangong Kaiwu" records a steel-making method that has been studied by craftsmen since the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is called the "raw and cooked method". Song Yingxing called this iron-making method the steel-filling method.
The steel filling method is to place pig iron on top of wrought iron. Taking advantage of the characteristics of high carbon of pig iron and low carbon of wrought iron, the molten pig iron liquid is poured into the wrought iron to change the carbon content, which can produce high hardness and good performance. steel. (Don’t go into detail)
When it comes to the steel filling method, it is natural to mention the epoch-making figures in the history of smelting. Qi Wuhuaiwen.
This man was a famous metallurgist in the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the inventor of the Su Tiecheng Knife. He summed up the experience of steel-making craftsmen and made breakthroughs in the development and improvement of the steel filling method. He had unique creations in knife making and heat treatment, which laid the foundation for metallurgical technology. development has made epoch-making contributions.
Qi Wuhuaiwen was born a hundred years later, and the methods of steelmaking and knifemaking he studied are completely achievable under current technical conditions.
The steel filling method was improved during the Song and Ming dynasties, and even in the 20th century, the improved steel filling method was still used among the people.
Compared with the steel frying method, the steel pouring method is simple and easy to learn, the steel produced is of high quality, easier to operate, and easy to remove impurities. It can be said that whoever masters this technology can become the overlord of the iron smelting industry.
However, the steel filling method has higher temperature requirements. Yang Anxuan remembers that it was recorded in the book that "Linsu and other charcoal" should be used, which is probably because the heat generated is large.
Yang Anxuan found that all the firewood in the iron shop was firewood, and coal had not been used to make a fire. Since the Han Dynasty, people have been using coal for heating and cooking. Coal is called "black stone".
Probably because it smells bad when burned and makes everything dirty, and firewood is easy to get, so not many people use it.
This is an excellent strategic material. There is coal in Runan County, and there is coal production in the Pingding area. Yang Anxuan is ready to control those coal mountains, and perhaps many of his ideas will be realized in the future.
The steel-filling method brought about rapid progress in knife forging skills. Good knives that previously took three or two years to forge became readily available. The "Su Tie Dao" became famous and changed the times.
Historical records record that Qiwu Huaiwen made a Su iron sword that was extremely sharp and could "cut armor with more than thirty strokes" (1), which shows its power. Speaking of the trick, it is actually very simple. In addition to the steel filling method, it is the "double liquid quenching method".
Since the Warring States Period, smelting has had quenching technology. The reason why the swords produced in Tangxi are sharp is because of the good quenching water. Pu Yuan, an expert in making knives from the Three Kingdoms, and others realized that knives with different properties could be obtained by quenching them with different water.
Quenching technology has always been studied by craftsmen. The Zhou family, Ying family, and iron smelters all have their own quenching technology and keep it secret. However, until the appearance of Qi Wuhuaiwen in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, no one had broken through the range of water used for quenching.
The two liquids used in the "two-liquid quenching method" are animal urine and animal fat. First quench in animal urine which has a high cooling rate, and then quench in animal fat which has a low cooling rate.
Sutie Dao uses the principle of the steel pouring method to melt pig iron and pour it onto wrought iron.
Carbon is penetrated into the wrought iron to increase the carbon content of the wrought iron, and then quenched into steel with animal urine and animal fat.
Livestock urine contains salt, and when quenched, the water cools quickly, making the quenched steel hard; when quenched with livestock fat, the water cools slowly, so the steel is flexible. After being treated with two quenching agents, the steel becomes pliable and the blade has both strength and softness, so it can "cut armor for more than thirty lashes".
Another advantage of this method of making weapons is that the cutting edge of the weapon for cutting and stabbing only needs to be hard and sharp, and it should be made of hard steel; the back of the knife for support must have good toughness so that it will not break when hit, so wrought iron can be used.
The clever combination of wrought iron and steel can not only meet the needs of different parts of the weapon, but also save more expensive steel, killing two birds with one stone.
Yang Anxuan stood up excitedly and said, "Sorry, I borrowed your invention first. With your intelligence, you can definitely invent something else."
The image of his subordinates fighting on the battlefield with swords and guns forged by the steel method emerged in his mind. Yang Anxuan paced back and forth in the room excitedly. This was the "golden finger" that he relied on to compete for supremacy. jj.br>
The steel filling method and the "double liquid quenching method" are closely related, and untrustworthy people must not be informed. At present, the only people he can rely on are his family and the Yin family.
Yang Anxuan's excitement gradually cooled down. Iron and steel smelting required mines and familiar craftsmen, both of which the Yin family and the Yin family did not have. He had to wait until the arrangements were in place, which was estimated to be three to five years later, but he would not be able to wait that long.
Moreover, there are elders such as father, brother, uncle, etc. in the family. If this method is told to the family, it will be the Yang family that has the capital to compete in the world.
With the matter of raising food, Yang Anxuan will be wary of the family, and he will be able to establish the Yang family dynasty. I am afraid that the person in power is not himself.
The eldest brother is the legitimate son and eldest brother. Yang Anxuan does not want to make a wedding dress for others. At the beginning, the brothers Li Shimin also had a deep brotherly love. In the end, it was not the Xuanwu Sect. Rather than killing each other, it would be better to cut off the bud.
As for the Yin family, Yang An shook his head after thinking for a long time. The impact of innovative iron smelting methods would be huge. Whether the Yin family can withstand such temptation, don't try to test people's hearts in the face of huge interests.
After thinking about it, I could only borrow the iron shop in Tangxi, use the original mines and craftsmen, and just teach the skills to make Su iron knives directly.
The most suitable one is of course the Ying family. The Ying family is located in Nandun, Runan. The head of the Ying family, Ying Xu, has made a great impression on him. The biggest official in the family, Ying Hong, is the minister of the capital and has little power. After he is promoted to the county governor, he should Able to control the Ying family.
Returning to the table and sitting down, Yang Anxuan took a sip of cold tea. In order to produce the iron sword as soon as possible, the Ying family's raw materials and craftsmanship are indispensable, but the secret skills cannot be passed on lightly, especially the "double liquid quenching method", which must be mastered. In your own hands.
Yang Anxuan remembered that when Yang Jiali was made, the government had an official workshop - a craftsman's workshop, which was dedicated to serving the court, government or military supplies. It had a strict organizational and management system, but the craftsmen in Xiping were still worried about using it themselves.
A preliminary plan gradually came into mind. The steel filling method should be provided to the Ying family, and a cooperation should be reached with the Ying family to produce large quantities of steel and knife blanks. The "double liquid quenching method" should be well controlled, and the animal urine used for quenching should be well controlled. The oil and fat must be transported secretly from outside to prevent anyone from knowing.
Thinking about it carefully, there were many loopholes. Yang Anxuan thought that as long as it was kept secret for two to three years, the world would be in chaos. He would take advantage of the trend and firmly control Runan. Then he would not have to worry about the Ying family leaking the secret.
The lights were on until midnight. Zhou Hong, Ying Hao and other iron stove shopkeepers all moved into the post house, thinking that they could have a private meeting with Yang Sima in the evening and impress him with benefits. Yang Sima could thank the guest in the name of tiredness. Everyone looked at him eagerly. Staring at the closed door, preventing others from entering even if he couldn't get in.
Ying Hao was puzzled in the room. During the day, Yang Sima clearly intended to hand over the matter of changing weapons of the county army to the Ying family, but why he turned away his request? Could it be that he was concerned about the public's hearing.
After thinking over and over again, Ying Hao decided to send a letter to the head of the family, asking him to come to Xiping to find an opportunity to meet Yang Sima and find out Yang Sima's intentions. If he could win the weapon replacement business, the family's financial resources would increase by one-fifth.
The next day, Yang Anxuan and Magistrate Ye continued to inspect the four townships, and the stewards had to go back to Tielu. No one noticed that Zhang Feng, the little follower beside Yang Anxuan, was not accompanying them.
Zhang Feng followed Yang Anxuan's instructions and went to the market. The west corner of the market was a place for recruiting households. Many refugees and poor people were there.
This kind of people hired Ding Mian and Shi Qing, who were hired by Yang Anxuan in Jiankang back then.
Some people even sold their children and daughters, or even sold themselves into slavery. When Zhang Feng was walking in the market, he saw people with shabby clothes and sallow complexions.
Yang Anxuan asked Zhang Feng to hire some blacksmiths. Xiping County relies on iron. In addition to the large iron furnaces in Tangxi, there are thousands of people in Xiping City who work in iron. Blacksmith shops can be found everywhere. Merchants from far away buy iron tools in Xiping, even from Qin, Yan and other countries. Here comes Hu Shang.
There were more blacksmith shops, so the competition was naturally greater. Shops opened and closed every day. When Zhang Feng shouted that he wanted to hire a blacksmith, a group of people immediately gathered around him.
Zhang Feng has been with Yang Anxuan for four years. He has no worries about food and drink, and he grows very fast. The fourteen-year-old boy is almost as tall as an adult.
Following Yang Anxuan all over the country, Zhang Feng had to be reminded by his godfather Zhao Tian from time to time. Zhang Feng had a broad vision and was very experienced in dealing with people. When he saw people gathering around him, he said loudly: "Don't crowd me. Listen to me clearly."
The people recruited were yin households. Yang Anxuan's official residence was in the fifth rank and he could shady seven households. Yinhu said that he no longer had to deal with the government, all taxes and levies were exempted and exempted, and the fraud was done by the noble officials. This was a good thing that could not be obtained.
Zhang Feng asked about the situation one by one, picked and checked, checked their words and deeds, selected seven households, and took them back to the post house to wait for Yang Anxuan's return.
Everyone was surprised and happy to learn that the person who wanted to choose a household was the new Chief Secretary Yang. As soon as Mr. Yang came to Runan County, he provided disaster relief and saved many families. Following such a master, the family would rather ask for less wages.
Chapter 193: Recruiting Tenants in Xiping
